3 points to help you identify jadeite, a must-read for beginners

The correct definition of jadeite is a fibrous aggregate composed of pyroxene minerals, mainly jadeite minerals. It has corresponding properties at different levels, and these properties are also very good guiding significance for our identification of jadeite. Today, I will share with you how to identify jadeite through its mechanical properties.

1. Density

The density of jade is 3.25~340g/cm. The density of jade increases with the increase of the content of elements such as Fe and Cr. It is also related to whether the structure of jade is dense or loose. Dense jade has a slightly higher density, while loose jade has a slightly lower density.

The density of the heavy liquid diiodomethane used in the jewelry identification process is 3.32g/cm. The density of natural jade is close to that of diiodomethane. The sinking or floating of jade in the solution can help determine whether the jade is natural or optimized.

2. Hardness

Mohs hardness is 6.5~7. The hardness of jade with loose texture is relatively small, while the hardness of jade with dense and tough texture can reach 7.

Real jade is very hard, and we can scratch the surface of the jade with a pointed object like a knife. If it is real jade, you will feel the surface of the jade is smooth when you scratch it and it will not leave any scratches. If it is fake jade, sliding a knife across the surface of the jade will leave obvious scratches.

However, this method of identification is not 100% reliable, so you still have to be cautious. This can be used as one of the auxiliary identification methods.

3. Jadeite properties/cleavage of jadeite single crystal

Jadeite, the main mineral constituting jade, has two sets of nearly vertical complete cleavages parallel to (110), and may have simple twins and polysynthetic twins parallel to (001) and (100). The star-like, flake-like, and needle-like flashes on the cleavage planes and twinning planes are what people call "jade properties", commonly known as "fly wings" or "sand stars", and are one of the important signs for identifying jadeite. However, the "jade quality" cannot be easily seen on the surface of all jade. For example, it is difficult to see the "jade quality" on old jade with a glassy ground.